Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem

[Denverite]

When award availability was open for sukkos I didn't have enough points in my account and waited for a transfer to post
While calling a rep told me I could book cash + points and when the transfer posts they will be able to switch it to a points reservation, But in fact this is not correct and no one at Hilton is ready to convert the reservation for me.
If a cancel my reservation what are the chances of the room going back into inventory and booking it with points?
anything else I could do to get the reservation switched over?

I’m with everyone else, don’t do it. I also didn’t have enough points and booked one night cash (standard room) and just cancelled it because I’m not gonna need it but that standard room didn’t appear for a regular redemption. 

[davidmal]

Will be pretty hard, unless he imports the staff from outside Israel.

Well said. And in my opinion it’s not the top tier staff alone. It’s even lower staff that clean your room have no respect for your belongings.
I recall stories on multiple levels of staff.

Problem is the locals who work at these hotels hate you to begin with.

[gross5g]

Guess that confirms that Dan is coming for sukkos

[shapsam]

Guess that confirms that Dan is coming for sukkos

-1 All it confirms is that for the 5% chance he goes to Israel for Sukkos, he'll stay at the Woldorf.

[Dan]

-1 All it confirms is that for the 5% chance he goes to Israel for Sukkos, he'll stay at the Woldorf.

1% would be being generous. But not like I'm earning interest on the points otherwise.

[moe8555]

Problem is the locals who work at these hotels hate you to begin with.

I don't have inside information about the expense of running a hotel in Israel, only personal experience as a guest.  I don't think the staff "hate you" per se, rather it's the fact that Israeli management is the cheapest and pettiest group of hoteliers anywhere and keeps capex to the absolute minimum required (just look at the shoddy workmanship and maintenance, even in supposed 5 star hotels... and don't even get me started about 3-4 star level).  They really do a fantastic job of bringing to life every anti-Semetic Jewish stereotype. I'm sure management pays and treats them like you know what.

[davidmal]

I don't have inside information about the expense of running a hotel in Israel, only personal experience as a guest.  I don't think the staff "hate you" per se, rather it's the fact that Israeli management is the cheapest and pettiest group of hoteliers anywhere and keeps capex to the absolute minimum required (just look at the shoddy workmanship and maintenance, even in supposed 5 star hotels... and don't even get me started about 3-4 star level).  They really do a fantastic job of bringing to life every anti-Semetic Jewish stereotype. I'm sure management pays and treats them like you know what.

The staff ate some of my kids candy.... and left a bite mark in the Coca Cola Bottle Gummy. I've witnessed sitting at the restaurant and they told someone they are full when 60% of the tables were empty. they would have to wait 10 mins.   (and no there was no reservations that filled the restaurant up). I know a relative who reported returning to his room only to find the hotel staff was dropping a deuce in his bathroom. All this and more at the WA...

[moe8555]

The staff ate some of my kids candy.... and left a bite mark in the Coca Cola Bottle Gummy. I've witnessed sitting at the restaurant and they told someone they are full when 60% of the tables were empty. they would have to wait 10 mins.   (and no there was no reservations that filled the restaurant up). I know a relative who reported returning to his room only to find the hotel staff was dropping a deuce in his bathroom. All this and more at the WA...

It basically all comes down to: you get what you (or in this case, the management) pay for.

They aren't able to take pride in their job because of management's cheapness, very few lifers/career employees unlike other parts of the world.  I'm telling you, that is the bottom line and it's evident in both the hard and soft product.  There's a reason the grout in the bathrooms is always botched and the painters paint right over the light switches and door frames: that's the kind of job management was willing to pay for.

[ExGingi]

1% would be being generous. But not like I'm earning interest on the points otherwise.

Reminds me of https://youtu.be/JIJnWD-1C_w?t=244

[runnergirl]

When did you book that? I grabbed 2 rooms on points for Sept 20-25 over this past Succos when they opened up for a 24hr period. Been looking for Sept 28-Oct 3 ever since and no dice. If you don't use the reservation I will kindly take it off your hands to complete my stay!

[Dan]

Lol, guess I should auction it off 

[runnergirl]

Lol, guess I should auction it off 

PM me. I am sure we can work something out 

[Denverite]

1% would be being generous. But not like I'm earning interest on the points otherwise.

When did you book that? I grabbed 2 rooms on points for Sept 20-25 over this past Succos when they opened up for a 24hr period. Been looking for Sept 28-Oct 3 ever since and no dice. If you don't use the reservation I will kindly take it off your hands to complete my stay!

If y’all wanna blow a million+ HHonors I would suggest instead getting a 2 or 3 BR Residence at the Conrad Koh Samui (not exactly the same but also has kosher breakfast). That’s what I’m doing next week! And Runnergirl looking forward to hopefully meeting you at WAJ on Sukkot...would it be the first women’s DDF DO? 

[Dan]

Lol, if CUSM gives a kosher breakfast like the WAJ then I am IN.

[runnergirl]

Lol, if CUSM gives a kosher breakfast like the WAJ then I am IN.

Sounds great but we am going to Israel for Succos as both of my kids are learning there next year - so that's the only place in the world I want to be!!!!!  So I would greatly appreciate working something out with you 

[Denverite]

Lol, if CUSM gives a kosher breakfast like the WAJ then I am IN.

Ok so your CKS kosher breakfast options are Shakshuka, generic “Israeli breakfast” (I’m assuming NOT like WAJ)  or a tuna or omelet sandwhich so now that it’s out for you Dan, and she really wants the room, make her a deal! 

Seriously, so fun that thanks to DDF we even have all these cool options!!

[runnergirl]

Ok so your CKS kosher breakfast options are Shakshuka, generic “Israeli breakfast” (I’m assuming NOT like WAJ)  or a tuna or omelet sandwhich so now that it’s out for you Dan, and she really wants the room, make her a deal! 

Seriously, so fun that thanks to DDF we even have all these cool options!!

Thanks for your support Denverite!!!!

[runnergirl]

If y’all wanna blow a million+ HHonors I would suggest instead getting a 2 or 3 BR Residence at the Conrad Koh Samui (not exactly the same but also has kosher breakfast). That’s what I’m doing next week! And Runnergirl looking forward to hopefully meeting you at WAJ on Sukkot...would it be the first women’s DDF DO? 

Yes!  We will officially hold the first DDF Woman's DO!!!

[ExGingi]

she really wants the room, make her a deal! 

I second that motion.

After all, there's only one place in the world to really want to be for Sukkos, and I'm sure you know where that is @Dan

[runnergirl]

I second that motion.

After all, there's only one place in the world to really want to be for Sukkos, and I'm sure you know where that is @Dan

Loving all of the shout outs and support I am getting from fellow DDF friends!!!!  Thanks a ton!!!